Should I see an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist for my foot or ankle pain?
A variety of different kinds of medical providers diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and ankles, including orthopedic surgeons, primary care providers, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, physical therapists, and podiatrists. While there is often overlap in treatments, especially between orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists, the training for these providers is different.
Orthopedic surgeons attend medical school with post-graduate residency training, followed by an advanced fellowship in foot and ankle reconstruction. They treat lower extremity conditions in conjunction with the rest of the body, as foot and ankle problems can often originate from the lower back, hip and knee. Podiatrists attend a podiatry school, followed by a residency that is specific to the foot and ankle. Their focus of care is the foot and ankle alone. It is best to select a doctor that has the greatest experience treating your specific condition.
UofL Health – Foot and Ankle Center includes specialty trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who can help you regain the quality of life you seek. From basic foot problems to the most complex conditions, our providers have the expertise to address any foot or ankle issue. Call 502-363-0588 for more information or to make an appointment.
Can the arthritis in my foot and ankle be treated?
Arthritis is a term used for inflammation of a joint. Cartilage exists in the joints to prevent friction between bones. As the cartilage in your joint wears down, inflammation results from bone-on-bone friction. This can be very painful, leading to loss of motion and deformities of the affected joints. Arthritis can be managed with both surgical and non-surgical methods. From orthotics to braces, physical therapy to medications, and even surgical treatments – depending on the severity of the condition.
UofL Health – Foot and Ankle Center includes specialty trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who can help you regain the quality of life you seek. From basic foot problems to the most complex conditions, our providers have the expertise to address any foot or ankle issue. Call 502-363-0588 for more information or to make an appointment.
How do I know if I need an ankle replacement?
Ankle replacements are a special procedure to replace the affected cartilage in your joints. An ankle replacement is used to treat ankle arthritis. Ankle replacements are complex procedures that require thorough evaluation of the patient to assess if they are a good candidate for it. There are other procedures to address ankle arthritis. Our foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons can help determine the best treatment for you.
UofL Health – Foot and Ankle Center includes specialty trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who can help you regain the quality of life you seek. From basic foot problems to the most complex conditions, our providers have the expertise to address any foot or ankle issue. Call 502-363-0588 for more information or to make an appointment.
How can I get relief for chronic nerve pain in my feet?
Any pain in the foot can cause significant impact on the daily activities of a person. Learning why you have chronic foot pain is important to determining the treatment. Nerve pain is especially challenging - from burning or tingling sensations to muscle weakness or numbness. If you experience these types of pain, see a medical doctor to be evaluated.
A number of health conditions can cause these issues. Underlying conditions, such as diabetes, could be contributing to the problem. Our orthopedic team is specially-trained to diagnose your nerve pain. Based on the diagnosis, our doctors will recommend treatments from medication to strengthening, even surgical procedures, to address the issue and help you get relief.
UofL Health – Foot and Ankle Center includes specialty trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who can help you regain the quality of life you seek. From basic foot problems to the most complex conditions, our providers have the expertise to address any foot or ankle issue. Call 502-363-0588 for more information or to make an appointment.
What are common foot and ankle injuries for runners?
Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common injuries in runners and athletes. Over 20% of injuries in athletes are of the lower extremity. Foot and ankle pain can affect the way you run, which can lead to worsening injury and pain. Foot and ankle pain can be related to old injuries, compensatory mechanisms, tendonitis, running/gait mechanics. The origin of the pain can be from your back, pelvis, hips, knees and/or your foot and ankle.
Sprains are among the most common injuries among runners. Sprains can be as benign as a small tear to your ligaments, or as complicated as injury to your cartilage and chronic ankle instability. Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons are specialty-trained to thoroughly evaluate you and return you to your sport in the fastest safest way possible.
Before you start training for your next marathon, make sure your ankles and feet are ready to take you the distance. UofL Health – Foot and Ankle Center includes specialty-trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who can help you get back on your feet. From basic foot problems to the most complex conditions, our providers have the expertise to address any foot or ankle issue. Call 502-363-0588 for more information or to make an appointment.
What are the advantages of minimally-invasive foot and ankle surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery involves performing surgeries through very small exposure and incisions. Typically, procedures that in the past required bigger incisions can now be done through percutaneous (less than 1 cm) incisions. Our foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons are trained in a variety of minimally-invasive procedures ranging from bunion reconstructions to ankle fusions.
Minimally-invasive surgery for bunion reconstructions is a great example of the benefits of this type of surgery. Patients now can return to walking within two weeks with minimal swelling and well-controlled pain, compared to previously painful surgeries with weeks of weightbearing restrictions.
UofL Health – Foot and Ankle Center includes specialty trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons who can help you regain the quality of life you seek. From basic foot problems to the most complex conditions, our providers have the expertise to address any foot or ankle issue. Call 502-363-0588 for more information or to make an appointment.
